Rock Identifier
Weathered metallic meteorite candidate (Unclassified meteorite; appearance possibly iron meteorite or stony-iron material) — meteorite
meteorite

Weathered metallic meteorite candidate

Unclassified meteorite; appearance possibly iron meteorite or stony-iron material

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular elongated gray-brown mass with a rough, weathered surface and possible oxidation; metallic luster is not clearly visible. Meteorite identification requires density, magnetism, streak, and laboratory Ni/Co or petrographic testing; hardness is typically about 5–7 Mohs.

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Physical properties

Irregular elongated gray-brown mass with a rough, weathered surface and possible oxidation; metallic luster is not clearly visible. Meteorite identification requires density, magnetism, streak, and laboratory Ni/Co or petrographic testing; hardness is typically about 5–7 Mohs.

Formation & geological history

If genuine, it formed in an asteroid and may be billions of years old, later surviving atmospheric entry; the surface appears terrestrial-weathered. The image alone cannot distinguish it from terrestrial iron-rich rock, slag, or limonite.

Uses & applications

Meteorites are valued mainly by collectors and researchers; scientifically classified specimens may be used in planetary studies and education.

Geological facts

A fusion crust, regmaglypts, unusually high density, strong magnetism, and a non-rusting interior are useful clues, but none is definitive from this photograph.

Field identification & locations

Common candidates include iron meteorites from dry deserts and Antarctica, but similar rocks occur worldwide. Check for strong magnetism and density, avoid grinding it, and seek thin-section and elemental analysis from a meteorite laboratory.

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